The Purrfect Lie (Klepto Cat Mystery Book 12) Read Online Free PDF Page A

when’s that going to happen?”
    Savannah looked at her aunt for a moment before saying, “Well, she has her career to think about right now. Establishing a medical practice is pretty time-consuming. And Bud is awfully busy at the veterinary clinic, since Michael has been gone so much and I’m on maternity leave.”
    Michael nudged Savannah. “Is that what you call it, an extended maternity leave?”
    He grinned impishly. “Are you girls interested in a rumor—of the gossip type?”
    “Yes,” Margaret said, facing Michael.
    “Sure,” Savannah said, “as long as it’s juicy stuff.”
    “Is it about Brianna and Bud?” Margaret asked, eagerly.
    “Maybe…” he said, teasing.
    “What?” Savannah nagged.
    “Wellll,” he said, taking his time to respond, “there just may possibly, perhaps, be an engagement announcement sometime soon, or…later.”
    Margaret and Savannah looked at each other, their eyes wide. “Cool,” Margaret said.
    Savannah scolded, “Michael, you’re not just funning with us, are you?”
    “No,” he said. “This is very probably a true rumor…maybe.”
    Margaret looked at her niece. “We need to take that girl out to lunch and see what she’ll tell us.”
    “And what if she doesn’t know about it or she won’t fess up?” Savannah challenged.
    “Then we’ll take Bud out for a couple of beers,” Margaret said, giggling. She went in for a high-five with her niece and both women laughed out loud.
    “Well,” Max said, standing, “Maggie, let’s go see if we caught us some tabbies, shall we?”
    “Okay, if we must.” She looked at Lily. “It has been a fun playdate, little one. Auntie will come over and we’ll play another day.”
    “An-tie,” Lily said in her sweet voice. “An-tie.”
    “Yes!” Margaret shouted. “She said auntie; did you all hear that? She said auntie.” She grabbed the baby and hugged her, blowing raspberries on her neck and making her giggle. “You are so smart, and cute as a kitten.”
    “Ki-ki,” Lily said, pointing at Buffy, who was walking dangerously close to the toddler. Just as the baby made a grab for the Himalayan’s tail, Margaret intervened.
    “I’m surprised she got that close,” Savannah said. “Buffy’s usually more cautious around her.”
    “She knew I had her back, isn’t that right, Buffy?” Margaret said, scratching the cat behind one ear. “And she loves my massages.”
    “That she does,” Savannah agreed. She picked up Lily and said, “Let’s get you something to eat, then it’s time for a nap.”
    “Ahhh, sounds good to Auntie. I think I’ll take a nap, too.”
    “After we make sure those kittens are okay,” Max reminded her.
    ****
    Later that afternoon, Michael answered his cell phone. “Hi Max. How’s it going?”
    “We captured the little escapees.” He chuckled. “One male and the female went in together. Ever catch two at a time in one of those contraptions?”
    “Good lord, no. I haven’t seen that happen. Are you sure they aren’t joined at the hip?”
    “Practically. I hope to find someone who’ll take them both; they sure are little buddies.”
    “How’d you get the other one?”
    “Charlotte came over after church and lured him. That kitten’s been real responsive to the teen,” Max explained.
    “She does have a way with cats,” Michael said. “Sometimes I wonder if it has something to do with her…condition.”
    “You mean because she has Down syndrome? Perhaps, I guess.” Max hesitated, then said, “She does have a greater ability to focus than some of the other volunteers here. She hones in on something and sticks with it, which makes her a definite asset when it comes to socializing the feral kittens.”
    “Too bad she can’t have one of her own,” Michael said. “I guess her younger sister is seriously allergic to cats. Anyway, I’m glad you caught them. Any insight as to how they got let out?”
    “’Fraid not,” Max said. “Hey Michael, after we put the